Well, it’s time to do a spring clean— in the garden — and this means everything from lawns to flower beds and plantings old and new.

Develop a plan of action and complete each task before moving onto the next, this will ensure all tasks noted are tackled with the results being obvious cometh the summer.

Lawns cover a high percentage of most properties therefore their appearance can dictate the first impression of the garden in general. A good lawn, relatively weed free, will enhance any property, whereas a poor lawn distracts immediately from the rest of the garden.

More money is wasted on lawns than perhaps any other part of the garden, simply by incorrect or generally poor husbandry.

Height of cut varies as to grass type therefore lawns with a mix of grasses are difficult to maintain creating a quilt-like effect when mown.

Whether one lawn consists of Zoysia, Bermuda or St. Augustine grass, having a full cover with the one grass creates an easier maintenance programme for mowing and fertiliser regimes. Additionally the height of cut is not as important, as uniformity of growth will not look out of place as it would with a ‘mix’ of grass types and invariably weed growth. Flower beds in general will require attention with pruning being a major task to shape up branch structure for the coming seasons growth; check for pest and disease problems during this exercise and treat accordingly. For those who like to compost, incorporate well composted material into the soil, taking care not to damage root systems in the process.

Fertiliser is important at this juncture, use a starter fertiliser and apply according to the instruction, which is why they are put on the product. This is a good time to remove old, sick or undesirable plants or re-design and add new material; this should be done with care as selection will determine the impact on the area for the foreseeable future, poor selection causing problems that could hinder growth and development of the surrounding plantings.

Having just returned from six weeks ‘down under’, I am more convinced than ever that for success in developing a good healthy plant, the root ball is a major factor and therefore the size of planting hole that allows a root to run at will and seek water is the answer.

Parts of southeast Australia have been in a drought situation for a long time, home gardens can only be watered twice a week for two hours each time, and even in areas that receive no water plants are ‘surviving’. One of the major problems we face is simply we are not consistent in recognising this fact and have a propensity for giving plant roots very little opportunity to do what they do best, support top growth for the life of the plant!

Large planting holes will encourage strong root systems which in turn produce stronger top growth, and in the design process means less material of a large nature giving room for ground cover material which adds a new dimension to the finished product — weed control.

Location plays a big part in the selection process, plants which are tender or sensitive to wind or salt spray should be placed in a location that offers them the best chance of success, and survival; in areas of wind and salt problems, selection of plants that tolerate same will not only enhance the landscape but last longer with fewer problems.

Now is a good time to relocate plants before they develop too much active growth; with spring in the air and temperatures on the rise plantings will get a good kick start; this is especially the case with palm trees, which are very active from now until October. However, care and preparation are integral to the success of the relocation which include watering in of root ball, pruning of new soft growth and a large root ball retaining a good soil base and ‘bagged’ prior to moving. Spray foliage with an anti-transpirent foliar spray prior to lifting to assist in the transplant process and reduce stress to the plant. Installation should also be given attention, with a large planting hole and moist soil mix, the planting level being as per the same as previous location. Water in new plantings and incorporate a liquid feed to encourage growth. With the cost of soil — which is not top soil — consideration should be given to creating a compost heap. It is an excellent method of developing humus material to be incorporated into the garden in future months or years. One can use grass clippings, chipped branches and vegetable waste and, unlike a martini, it should be stirred not shaken on a regular basis to induce breakdown of material into humus. I prefer to turn the humus into the soil more so than using it as mulch as it is an organic mix and therefore will nurse weed growth readily.

As we start the mowing season, it is a good idea to check the mower and ascertain the sharpness of the blades, life is much easier when blades are sharp enough to readily cut through a good sward of grass; this exercise applies to other garden tools left on the bench since last used and are in need of some TLC!